title: Updates in the general approach to the pediatric poisoned patient.
abstract: Poison prevention remains essential to prevent the most vulnerable population from becoming exposed to potentially lethal toxins. The evaluation of a child presumed to have been exposed to a toxic substance should include a precise history of the exposure, a physical examination, and knowledge of current ingestions and recreational practices. New treatments and research guiding therapy continue to evolve. Poison centers and medical toxicologists can be consulted to assist with the diagnosis of medicinal/drug overdoses, for advice about the pitfalls inherent in stabilizing children who have been exposed to toxic compounds, and for treatment recommendations based on the latest research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, Upper Chesapeake Health Systems, Bel Air, MD, USA. Electronic address: fbarrueto1215@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Fermin
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Barrueto
authors.forename: Rajender
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gattu
authors.forename: Maryann
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mazer-Amirshahi
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D011039:Poison Control Centers; D011041:Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Intralipid; Marijuana; Opioids; Overdose; Poison; Synthetic drugs; Toxicology